EDC History: Higo no Kami
The traditional Japanese knife is making a comeback.

Posted 7 days ago in EDC, Gear, Knives by Ashley
Knife trends come and go, but some knives stand the test of time and remain popular from generation to generation. As evident by knives like the Swiss Army Knife or the Douk-Douk, sometimes less is more; durability and an iconic design can ensure a knife’s legacy.

One such knife is the Higo no Kami, a traditional Japanese pocket knife currently seeing a resurgence among everyday carry culture. For some, the Higo no Kami–also spelled as higonokami, or referred to as just a Higo–is an old stand-by. But for many, Higos are emerging from obscurity thanks to their unique design and history.
- See more at: http://www.alloutdoor.com/2014/05/06/edc...q91bD.dpuf

Huh. I have a Higo sitting in its box in my room; my brother bought it on his last trip to Japan as a gift for me. It's basically a Japanese version of a slipjoint knife. It won't open up while it's in your pocket, and is fine for light use, but since it has no locking mechanism, I wouldn't trust it to not close on my fingers.

I love getting knives from other cultures. I have an Opinel (France), a few karambits, including a traditonal one (Indonesia), a bunch of balisongs (includinga real Filipino-made one), a Spanish Laguile folder, and I'm looking for a decently priced doúk-doúk. The opinel used to see quite a bit of use; it's carbon steel, so it takes a really sick edge, and holds it, and it has a beautiful patina now. Cold Steel used to make a really nice version of them, called the Twistmaster. If you ever come across one, buy it quick.

jahwarrior72;143378 Wrote:Huh. I have a Higo sitting in its box in my room; my brother bought it on his last trip to Japan as a gift for me. It's basically a Japanese version of a slipjoint knife. It won't open up while it's in your pocket, and is fine for light use, but since it has no locking mechanism, I wouldn't trust it to not close on my fingers.

I love getting knives from other cultures. I have an Opinel (France), a few karambits, including a traditonal one (Indonesia), a bunch of balisongs (includinga real Filipino-made one), a Spanish Laguile folder, and I'm looking for a decently priced doúk-doúk. The opinel used to see quite a bit of use; it's carbon steel, so it takes a really sick edge, and holds it, and it has a beautiful patina now. Cold Steel used to make a really nice version of them, called the Twistmaster. If you ever come across one, buy it quick.

I posted that for you Jah. You are resident knife guy on the site. I hope the article was accurate.

jahwarrior72;143378 Wrote:Huh. I have a Higo sitting in its box in my room; my brother bought it on his last trip to Japan as a gift for me. It's basically a Japanese version of a slipjoint knife. It won't open up while it's in your pocket, and is fine for light use, but since it has no locking mechanism, I wouldn't trust it to not close on my fingers.

I love getting knives from other cultures. I have an Opinel (France), a few karambits, including a traditonal one (Indonesia), a bunch of balisongs (includinga real Filipino-made one), a Spanish Laguile folder, and I'm looking for a decently priced doúk-doúk. The opinel used to see quite a bit of use; it's carbon steel, so it takes a really sick edge, and holds it, and it has a beautiful patina now. Cold Steel used to make a really nice version of them, called the Twistmaster. If you ever come across one, buy it quick.

What are they worth? There are two on Ebay right now.

He was the sort of person who stood on mountaintops during thunderstorms in wet copper armour shouting "All the Gods are bastards."

If you can get them for less than $40 each, NIB, grab them. If they're used, I wouldn't pay more than $20. If you manage to snatch them up, let me know, and I can direct you to a forum where you can sell them at a profit.

jahwarrior72;143394 Wrote:If you can get them for less than $40 each, NIB, grab them. If they're used, I wouldn't pay more than $20. If you manage to snatch them up, let me know, and I can direct you to a forum where you can sell them at a profit.

So what can I get for my samurai sword blade dated 1724.

NRA Life Member, NRA Certified Instructor: HFS, Pistol, Rifle, PPIH,PPOH
Suarez Combat Arms Instructor School
Admit nothing. Deny everything. Demand proof.
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Whoa...seriously? I couldn't even guess. A few hundred to a few thousand to over a million, depending on who forged it, what era it's from, blade shape, condition, et cetera. Best bet is to find someone who can give you a professional appraisal. I can ask around for reputable appraisers, if you like

Yep. Based on what I have researched, it is a Kanewaga, of the Kaga region, blade. It's dated 1724. I am probably going to take a trip to Philly, this summer, for an appraisal. If you know of anyone, I would appreciate it. Condition is fair to good. Would probably spend the money to have it reconditioned by the pros, if it appraises high enough.

NRA Life Member, NRA Certified Instructor: HFS, Pistol, Rifle, PPIH,PPOH
Suarez Combat Arms Instructor School
Admit nothing. Deny everything. Demand proof.
If we lie to the government, it's a crime. If the government lies to the people, it's called politics.
Paying for welfare is slavery.

spblademaker;143409 Wrote:Yep. Based on what I have researched, it is a Kanewaga, of the Kaga region, blade. It's dated 1724. I am probably going to take a trip to Philly, this summer, for an appraisal. If you know of anyone, I would appreciate it. Condition is fair to good. Would probably spend the money to have it reconditioned by the pros, if it appraises high enough.